*Note: This end date has been extended to accommodate the conference in
Tokyo, Japan in March 2012 which is part of the project.

Project Year: FY 2009

UT-UTC Designation: UTUTC-SC-8

Abstract:

Research on Global Supply Chain Management/Transportation Efficiency Systems is critical
to US competitiveness. Global Supply chain management integrates global information,
material and, cash flow processes across all functions including sourcing, operations,
return and recycling, and logistics and planning – for all partners. Supply chain
system professionals are the agents of change for e-business, manufacturing, high-tech,
service and consulting companies. Transportation system analysis and planning stress
the conceptual and quantitative approaches to the analysis of transportation and related
systems. The objectives are (1) to engage an international network of research collaboration
to identify, analyze, and solve complex transportation and supply chain problems and
to communicate those solutions to achieve successful implementation and (2) to develop
education and training programs that meet the needs of transportation, logistics,
and supply chain professionals around the world.

The planned activities are with researchers and educators from Africa, Asia, Australia,
Europe, North America, and South America. The development of these programs depends
on leveraging the diverse collaborative work that has been established with the International
Manufacturing Strategic Survey (IMSS), Supply Chain Symposium, the MIOH UTC, the International
Cargo Handling and Coordination Association (ICHCA) International Ltd, Great Lakes
Maritime Research Institute (GLMRI) , the International Business Institute at The
University of Toledo and The University of Toledo Manufacturing Management Alumni
network.

During the stage I of the project, we successfully completed two international symposia
and workshops on global supply chains, logistics and transportation. The work for
building an international network of scholars and educators has been initiated in
these two meetings. There has been great interest and enthusiasm shown for building
such a network in these two conferences.

This proposal is seeking funding to continue the work by 1) holding the third symposium
in Coimbatore, India (January 2009) and a fourth one in Spain (October 2009), and
2) plan for a fifth symposium in 2010 (possible candidates: Taiwan or Toledo) and
3) establish a research center by 2010.